Ridge vent for tile roofing

ABSTRACT

A ridge vent for tile roofing includes a vent member attached to a longitudinally extending ridge member and extending over at least a portion of a longitudinally extending vent opening. The vent member includes a number of passageways that connect the vent opening to the ambient atmosphere. A layer of air permeable and moisture resistant material covers the vent member so that air from the vented space passes through the material layer. Moisture from outside the structure coming into contact with the material layer is repelled. In one embodiment, the material layer provides a form for a sealing layer of mortar or mastic between the tile and the vent member preventing mortar from flowing into the vent opening. In another embodiment, flexible flashing material is used to provide a sealing structure between the tile and the vent member.

STATEMENT TO CLAIM PRIORITY

[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, Serial No. 60/352,675 filed Jan. 29, 2002 and 60/390,215 filed Jun. 20, 2002, the complete disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a roof ridge vent for use in building construction to enhance the circulation of air in a space between the roof and an underlying ceiling structure, and more particularly, to a ridge vent for tile roofing.

[0003] It is well known in the construction industry that the attic space of a building should be well ventilated. Ideally, the ventilation system would provide sufficient air flow to keep the air temperature in the attic close to the outside air temperature. Adequate ventilation reduces the build up of heat in the attic during summer months which can substantially reduce cooling costs and other problems associated with excessive heat. During cooler periods, attic ventilation assures that moisture that migrates out of interior spaces and through the insulation does not remain trapped in the attic space and re-condense on or in the attic insulation.

[0004] Numerous devices have evolved over the years for providing attic ventilation. Such devices include simple gable vents to provide cross ventilation, passive ventilation systems which typically combine vents placed under the eaves or soffits at the lowermost portion of the attic with passive roof vents located at strategic positions along the slope of the roof, and active roof ventilation systems, which traditionally include thermostats that activate fans above a predetermined temperature to force hot air out of the attic.

[0005] Of the passive ventilation systems, ridge ventilation is one of the most effective. Ridge vent systems generally include a long opening formed along the apex or ridge of a roof. This vent opening is created during construction by leaving a gap between the roof deck and the roof beam running along the ridge extending essentially the length of the roof. The ridge vent is designed to work from convection wherein warmer lighter air rises in the attic space and is exhausted through the ridge vent and then replaced by cooler air entering through the soffit vents. The venting operation is assisted by suction created by wind blowing over the ridge which acts to draw air out of the ridge vent.

[0006] In ridge vent systems, the vent slot must be covered to keep water, dirt and pests out of the structure. Even though the vent slot is covered, rain or snow can be driven into the roof opening during storms with sufficiently high winds. This is of particular concern when ridge venting is used in tile roofing applications.

[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,921,863 and 6,213,868, which are owned by the assignee of the present application and which are hereby included by reference, disclose ridge venting structures that include movable elements that block wind driven moisture from entering the attic space.

[0008] In the '863 apparatus, the movable member has a pressure-responsive surface that responds to ambient winds speeds in excess of a predetermined level to move into a closed position closing the passages. Accordingly, entry of moisture into the structure is restricted. The movable member in this prior application is relatively inflexible. Furthermore, it has been learned that under certain atmospheric conditions, wind speed across the tip of the baffle and the top of the ventilating device can act to partially open the baffle even after it has been closed, thereby permitting moisture to enter the structure.

[0009] In the '868 device, the movable member is made out of cloth, which is relatively flexible and thus is able to close against the outer edge of the ventilating device more easily than the relatively stiff movable member disclosed in the prior '863 patent. Further, the upper edge of the '868 invention terminates in a flexible cavity or “bubble” that extends longitudinally along the edge of the movable member. During storms, the movable member first moves into a position to close the vent openings, and the bubble is thereafter deformed against the upper edge of the ventilating device, thus providing a seal to better resist entry of snow and moisture into the vent passages. The movable member acts as weather-stripping that seals against the elements in response to wind speed.

[0010] While the advances of these prior developments have been quite effective in shingled roof applications, problems still remain when used with tile roofing where the nature of the materials and surface textures tend to promote more splashing which renders the venting system more susceptible to water entry even at low wind speeds. Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved ridge venting system suitable for use with tile roofing applications that effectively restricts the entry of moisture into the vented space.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,002,816 to Hofmann, et al. discloses a sealing strip or ridging that is intended for use on a tile roof. The sealing strip includes a non-woven air-permeable material attached to side strips of polyisobutylene (PIB). The sealing strip also includes an expanded metal for use in the side strips and may bridge center strip from non-woven material. Hofmann, et al. does not disclose any vent member for use in connection with the sealing strip other than the sealing strip itself. It is an object of the present invention therefore to provide an improved vent system that is suitable for use on tile roofing that provides an air-permeable, moisture resistant material used in conjunction with a vent member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides a ventilating apparatus for a structure with a roof having a ridge member and a vent opening. In one embodiment, the ventilating apparatus includes a vent member attached to the ridge member that extends along the length of the ridge member and covers at least a portion of the vent opening. The vent member includes a number of passageways that connect the vent opening to the ambient atmosphere. The apparatus further includes a layer of air permeable and moisture resistant material or means that covers the vent member and a capping structure that covers the ridge member, the vent opening and the vent member. Vented air from the vented opening passes through the material layer. Moisture coming into contact with the layer of material from outside the structure is inhibited from entering the vent opening.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the ventilating apparatus includes a flexible flashing member that seals the space between roofing tiles and the vent member. The layer of material provides a drip edge above the flashing member. The drip edge may be folded over or extended to various lengths past the vent member.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the ventilating apparatus, a support bracket is attached to the top of the ridge member. The vent member and support bracket may be covered with a shaped layer of material. A closure element may be used to seal the space between the roofing tile and the vent member. The shaped material may include a skirt that extends under the tile and a drip edge that extends over the closure element. The support bracket forms a peak in the shaped material to enhance the run-off of moisture.

[0015] In still another embodiment of the invention, the air permeable and moisture resistant material or means includes skirt portions that extend beyond the vent member. In this embodiment the capping structure includes longitudinally extending side edges, and the skirt portions extend outwardly at least as far as the side edges. The skirt portions may also be movable in response to wind conditions, wherein the skirt portions may move from an inactive position lying loosely downward from the side edges of the capping structure to a wind driven active position contacting the side edges to inhibit moisture from entering an inner space between the capping structure and the air permeable, moisture resistant material or means.

[0016] In an additional embodiment of the invention, the layer of air permeable, moisture resistant material serves as a form for mortar or mastic material applied adjacent said vent opening.

[0017] A further embodiment of the invention includes a method of installing a ridge vent having a moisture resistant barrier to a structure having a tile roof. The method includes the steps of: providing a ridge member and a vent opening at an apex of the structure; attaching at least one vent member to the ridge member adjacent the vent opening; covering the vent member with a layer of air permeable, moisture resistant fabric; deploying the fabric layer to provide a form for applying a sealant; applying the sealant between the fabric layer and a course of roofing tile adjacent the vent opening; and covering the ridge vent with a course of capping tile.

[0018] Accordingly, the invention accomplishes numerous objectives including providing a roof ridge ventilating device for a tile roof that allows the passage of air into and out of a structural space while inhibiting water entry under various weather conditions. The invention accomplishes a further object to provide such an apparatus which passes air freely and uniformly along its entire length with minimal flow resistance. The invention accomplishes yet another object of providing such an apparatus which is highly inconspicuous and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and install. The invention does not reside in any of the above features per se, which are intended merely to assist the reader in understanding the invention, but rather is defined by the claims following the detailed description of the several embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a partial top perspective view of a structure having a ridge vent according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIGS. 2-3 are front perspective views of a ridge vent according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the ridge vent of FIGS. 2 and 3 with the ridge tile cap removed.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a vent member according to the present invention.

[0023]FIGS. 6 and 7 are front perspective views of a ridge vent according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024]FIGS. 6A and 7A are front perspective views of a ridge vent according to a modified embodiment of the ridge vent shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0025]FIG. 7B is a front perspective view of the modified embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-7A with a fabric member moved to an active position by wind force.

[0026]FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the ridge vent of FIGS. 6 and 7 with the ridge tile cap removed.

[0027]FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of the ridge vent of FIGS. 6A, 7A and 7B with the ridge tile cap removed.

[0028]FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a ridge vent according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the shaped fabric of the ridge vent of FIG. 9.

[0030]FIG. 11 is a perspective view including a metal flashing beneath the shaped fabric.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The inventions includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0032] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a roof ventilating device generally indicated by the numeral 10 according to the present invention is applied to the ridge of a roof generally indicated at 12. Roof 12 includes a longitudinally extending ridge member 14 and transversely spaced inclined rafters 16, 18. The rafters 16, 18 are covered by underlayment or sheathing generally indicated by the numeral 20. A portion of the sheathing 20 adjacent the ridge member 14 is cut away to define a vent opening 22, shown more clearly in FIG. 3 which extends longitudinally along both sides of the ridge member 14. Typically the sheathing or underlayment 20 can be covered by a layer of felt paper which is not shown. Roofing tiles 24 are applied to the sheathing or underlayment 20 to complete the roof. The installed tiles 24 have an edge 25 and produce a ridge affect having alternating peaks 26 and valleys 28. For the purpose of this discussion a Spanish style tile is displayed, however, this is not critical to the invention and no limitation is intended thereby.

[0033] The venting apparatus 10 as well as the vent opening 22 is covered by a ridge cap 30 formed from a series of semi-circular ridge tile pieces 32. With respect to the ridge cap 30 there is created an air space 33 underneath the ridge cap 30 that is opened to atmospheric conditions through the tile valleys 28.

[0034] Turning to FIG. 4, the ridge cap is removed to reveal the vent structure 10 in more detail. In one embodiment, roof venting device 10 includes vent members 34 that are preferably bonded to the ridge member 14. Alternatively, the vent members 34 may be attached using any suitable means, several of which are well-known in the art. Each vent member 34 extends longitudinally along the ridge member 14 substantially the full length of the vent opening 22 and extends over vent opening 22.

[0035] Shown in detail in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, vent members 34 consist of a number of courses or plies 39 of corrugated material. As more clearly described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,949,657, the corrugated material has been waterproofed by treatment by an appropriate material such as by epoxy paint. The corrugations define a plurality of passages 40 that extend substantially parallel with one another from the inner surface 36 to the outer surface 38 of the vent member 34. Thus, the vent passages provide a vent pass from the space below the vent opening 22 to the inner space 33 beneath the ridge cap 30 that is open to ambient conditions. Of course, as is known in the art, passages 40 may also have a square or rectangular cross section.

[0036] According to the present invention, the outer surface 38 of vent members 34 is covered by a layer of flexible, air permeable, moisture repelling fabric/material or means 42. The fabric 42 may be a non-woven, spunbonded fabric consisting of randomly arranged polypropylene fibers such as is sold as “Typar 3121 ”by Snow Filtration Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. The fabric allows vented air from within the structure to pass through while moisture coming into contact with the fabric from outside the structure is repelled. Although primarily selected for its water repellency characteristics, the fabric also effectively repels insects and debris. On each side of the vent opening 22, the fabric skirt 44 is laid beneath the roofing tile 24. With the fabric skirt 44 secured, the fabric acts as a form for a layer of mortar or mastic material 46 that is applied between the tile ends and the fabric to seal the ends of the tile 24. The fabric prevents the mortar from flowing into the vent 22. A layer of mortar 46 may also applied along the edge 25 of the tile 24 to seal the tile edge 25.

[0037] Turning now to FIGS. 6-8, another embodiment of a ridge vent according to this invention will be described. In this embodiment, a flexible flashing 48 is applied to the ends of the tiles 24. The flashing has a flap 50 that is laid against the vent element 34 and covers any remaining portion of the vent opening 22 not covered by the vent element 34. The flashing can be made of polycarbonate plastic or similar material.

[0038] In this embodiment, the fabric skirt 44 can overlay the flashing to form a drip edge that directs accumulated moisture onto the flashing and away from the vent opening. While a mortar seal 46 may still be required at the tile edge, the flashing 48 eliminates the need for a mortar seal at the ends of the roofing tile 24 adjacent the vent opening 22 as depicted in the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 4. When the flashing 48 is applied, a suitable sealant or adhesive can be applied between the vent 34 and the flashing flap 50 and also between the flashing 48 and the tile 24.

[0039] A modified embodiment of the roof ventilating device shown in FIGS. 6-8 is shown in FIGS. 6A, 7A, 7B, and 8B. The difference is that the modified embodiment uses a wider piece of moisture repelling fabric 42 a having a fabric skirt 44 a that extends to or beyond longitudinally extending side edges 52 of the ridge tile pieces 32 of ridge cap 30. In normal conditions, fabric 42 a will lie as shown in FIG. 7A with the fabric skirts 44 a laying on flashing 48 or tiles 24. However, when a wind represented by arrows W blows across tiles 24 as shown in FIG. 7B, fabric skirt 44 a is lifted and contacts side edges 52 of ridge tile pieces 32 to inhibit wind driven moisture 54 from entering into the inner space 33. Furthermore, the top of fabric 42 a then serves as a secondary moisture inhibitor to prevent any moisture that may work its way into inner space 33 from going down into vent members 34 and into the structure through vent openings 22. The fabric skirt 44 a may also be glued or otherwise attached to side edges 52 so that the position shown on the wind driven side of FIG. 7B is maintained at all times.

[0040] Yet another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In this embodiment, a ridge member 114 which is supported by rafters 116 and 118 is shown. An underlayment or sheathing 120 is applied over rafters 116, 118 and is cut away at the ridge member to provide a vent opening at 122. The sheathing 120 is covered with a layer of felt paper 121 upon which roofing tile 124 are laid. A tile cap formed from tile cap pieces 132 cover the ridge and vent opening.

[0041] Vent structure 110 includes vent elements 134 which are attached to ridge member 114 preferably by a suitable adhesive. The vent members 134 are covered by a shaped weather shield fabric 142 that is shown in detail in FIG. 10. The apparatus includes a support bracket 152 attached to the top of ridge member 114 to support the upper portion 143 of the shaped fabric 142 and form a peak 153 therein. Peak 153 enhances the run-off of any moisture that comes in contact with the shield fabric 142 to help preclude the moisture from permeating the fabric. The fabric 142 includes a skirt portion 144 that extends underneath the tile pieces 124. The shaped fabric 142 also includes a folded drip edge 147. The apparatus also includes a flexible closure element 148 which is sized to fit over the ends of tile 124 and extend to engage and hold a side portion 145 (FIG. 11) of the shaped fabric 142 against vent element 134. Folded drip edges 147 are formed in the shaped cloth 142 and over lay the ends of closure element 148 to direct accumulated moisture away from the vent area. A suitable sealant can be applied at sealing points 155 to the fabric and the closure element if desired.

[0042] In FIG. 11, it can be seen that a metal flashing 160 may be added to the vent structure. In the embodiment shown, metal flashing 160 has an L-shape with one leg 160 a of the L, being affixed to sheathing 120, and the other leg 160 b of the L being affixed to vent elements 134. Metal flashing 160 provides an additional moisture barrier to vent opening 122 should any moisture penetrate fabric 142 along skirt portion 144 or side portion 145. Of course, flashing 160 may be used with any of the embodiments disclosed herein or any suitable material may be used for the flashing.

[0043] The embodiments of the invention herein described overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a ridge vent structure for tile roofing that effectively repels moisture while providing adequate ventilation of the vented space in a cost effective manner.

[0044] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It should be understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 

1. A ventilating apparatus for a roof having a longitudinally extending ridge member and a vent opening substantially coextensive with said ridge member, said ventilating apparatus comprising: a vent member attached to said ridge member and extending longitudinally along a length of said vent opening, said vent member including a plurality of vent passages communicating said vent opening to ambient atmosphere; a layer of air permeable, moisture resistant material covering said vent member so that ventilating air flow from said vent opening passes through said material layer; and a capping structure extending longitudinally above said ridge member covering said ridge member and said vent opening so that ventilating air from said vent opening passes within a space between said capping structure and said roof.
 2. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said roof is covered by tiles.
 3. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said layer of air permeable, moisture resistant material includes a folded drip edge.
 4. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 3, including a flexible flashing, said folded drip edge covers the top edge of said flexible flashing.
 5. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said layer of air permeable, moisture resistant material serves as a form for mortar or mastic material applied adjacent said vent opening.
 6. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a support bracket for supporting said layer of air permeable, moisture resistant material above said ridge member.
 7. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said layer of air permeable, moisture resistant material includes a side portion and a skirt portion and said ventilating apparatus including a metal flashing located at least partially beneath said side portion and said skirt portion.
 8. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said capping structure includes longitudinally extending side edges and said layer of material includes skirt portions extending beyond said vent member, said skirt portions extending outwardly away from a longitudinally extending ridge member for a distance at least as far as said side edges.
 9. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein said skirt portions have an inactive position lying loosely downward from said side edges of said capping structure and a wind driven active position contacting said side edges to inhibit moisture from entering an inner space between said capping structure and said layer of material.
 10. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 8, including a flexible flashing having a top edge, said skirt portions covering the top edge of said flexible flashing.
 11. A ventilating apparatus for a roof covering a building, the roof having a vent opening for permitting ventilating air to pass from an interior portion of the building through the roof, said ventilating apparatus comprising: at least one vent member attached to the roof and extending along said vent opening, said vent member including a plurality of vent passages communicating said vent opening to ambient atmosphere; air permeable, moisture resistant means covering said vent member for facilitating ventilating air flow from said vent opening to pass through said means while moisture will be inhibited from passing through said means into said vent opening in the building; and a capping structure covering said vent opening and said vent member so that ventilating air from said vent opening passes within a space between said capping structure and said roof.
 12. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said air permeable, moisture resistant means includes a folded drip edge.
 13. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 12, including a flashing adjacent said vent member, said folded drip edge covering a top edge of said flashing.
 14. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said air permeable, moisture resistant means also serves as a means for forming a mortar or mastic material applied adjacent said vent member to seal between said vent member and said roof.
 15. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said air permeable, moisture resistant means is a layer of flexible material.
 16. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 15, furthering comprising a support bracket for supporting a portion of said air permeable, moisture resistant layer of flexible material to provide a peak in said material for enhancing moisture run off.
 17. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein said air permeable, moisture resistant layer of flexible material includes a side portion and a skirt portion, and said ventilating apparatus includes a flashing located at least partially beneath said side portion and said skirt portion.
 18. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said capping structure includes longitudinally extending side edges and said air permeable, moisture resistant means includes skirt portions extending beyond said vent member, said skirt portions extending outwardly transverse to a longitudinal direction of said vent opening for a distance at least as far as said side edges.
 19. The ventilating apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein said skirt portions have an inactive position lying loosely downward from said side edges of said capping structure and a wind driven active position contacting said side edges of said capping structure to inhibit moisture from entering an inner space between said capping structure and said air permeable, moisture resistant means.
 20. A method of installing a ridge vent having a moisture resistant barrier to a structure having a tile roof, said method comprising: providing a ridge member and a vent opening at an apex of the structure; attaching at least one vent member to said ridge member so that said vent member provides a passage for air exiting said vent opening; covering said vent member with a layer of air permeable, moisture resistant fabric; deploying said fabric layer to provide a form for applying a sealant; applying said sealant between said fabric layer and a course of roofing tile adjacent said vent opening; and covering said ridge vent with a course of capping tile. 